Gibo: PH needs ICT boost
SENATORIAL aspirant Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro has said the country needs to invest in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry for it to have sustainable national development.
Teodoro, who guested on LAKAS-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) vice presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s online show “Sara All For You,” said a massive boost in ICT’s digital and physical infrastructure will help the country keep pace with other fast-developing Asean countries and eventually provide swift quality services to the Filipinos. Asean stands for Southeast Asian Nations.
“Kailangan maging mas agile ang gobyerno. Mga proseso ng gobyerno padaliin natin para mas mabilis itong makatugon sa mga sitwasyon sa different na lugar sa Pilipinas, and at the top of this is local autonomy,” Teodoro said.
Duterte, who hosts her own show, lauded Teodoro for including the ICT development in his priority legislation once elected into office in May.
“We are happy to hear that from you, Senator Gibo. Isa talaga ‘yan sa waterloo ng Pilipinas,” Duterte said.
Teodoro said the government also needs to help the private sector expand its ICT facilities.
“It’s the ability of the government, kakayahan niya na mag-invest in emerging and disruptive technologies. Kailangan bigyang laya ang gobyerno na mag-invest dito kasi kung mahuhuli tayo sa investment dito sa mga technologies nato, mahuhuli din tayo sa pila,” Teodoro added. Teodoro, a former Defense Secretary, also stressed the importance of learning the security aspects of the technology, constant research, and the possibility of creating Filipino-made technologies through ICT.
“May security aspect din ito. Kailangan talaga magsanay tayo ng ating mga kababayan na hindi lang maging processors ng ICT kung hindi maging innovators ng bagong technology. Kailangan natin mag invest sa research and development para makagawa tayo ng sariling mga teknolohiya at gamitin ang likas na talino ng Pilipino,” he said.
Teodoro’s political platform, which he calls seven “pillars of development,” includes acceleration of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) vaccination, food security, strengthening quality education, intensifying blue economy, continuing upgrade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP), peace and order, and physical and digital infrastructure and connectivity.
